Three years later in 1975, Father Thomas purchased 160 acres of land near Vado, New Mexico, about 30 miles from Our Lady’s Youth Center in El Paso. He called it the Lord’s Ranch. Originally intended to be a replacement for a summer camp that OLYC operated for inner city kids, the Ranch evolved into an active farm and dairy. 

Volunteers grew and harvested food for the poor on this semi-arid property, and also milked cows and goats, using the milk to make cheese. The fruit and vegetables grown were sent to the Lord’s Food Bank in Juarez, Mexico, as were the huge wheels of cheese produced. The cheese was given to pregnant women who were unable to get enough protein to nourish their developing babies. The healthy babies born to these women were affectionately known as “cheese babies.”

In the late 80’s and early 90’s, a disease in the soil killed all the fruit trees and vines that were planted on the Ranch. Many volunteers left around that time so the milking of the cows and goats had to be discontinued. The focus shifted to hosting out-of-town youth groups and providing a place of spiritual retreats. When the violence from the drug-wars in Juarez escalated in 2009, mission groups stopped coming to visit and the mission of the Lord’s Ranch adjusted again. The main ministry of the Ranch currently is its shortwave radio station, and it continues to be the home for full-time volunteers.